By Binta Jaiteh
The National Assembly members yesterday debated a bill that seeks to respond to famine, refugee crises, terrorism, disease outbreaks, environmental crises, transnational organisedcrimes, and other threats impacting human security through a centralized and coordinating agency.
The National Early Warning and Response Mechanism Bill was presented by Vice President Mohammed BS Jallow, and it seeks to enhance the government’s capacity to predict and respond to a broad spectrum of events spanning from violent conflicts.
During the debate lawmaker for Busumbala, Hon Muhammed Kanteh said the VP indicated that the office is in operation through the executive directives for legal framework members, and he should bless this bill so that the office can have legal backing.
“We knew that Gambia is a signatory to this important document as an ECOWAS Early Warning Mechanism and the bill will timely identify issues based on human needs and pandemics”, Hon. Kanteh said
He added that crimes and criminalities will be given timely notice so that various security operators will be given the motivation to address the issues before they escalate.
Member for Foni Kansala, Almamy Gibba said important bills are brought to the Parliament but members want after the passing of the bill, parliament demands full implementation of the bill. He said ‘’this bill will also address the unknown causes of disease outbreaks and crimes within regions or even the country. This bill is not for cupboard beautification because lots of bills were passed here but sometimes constituting a commission will be a challenge’’.
According to the Vice President pursuant to the 1999 Protocol on conflict prevention, management, resolution, peacekeeping, and security, the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government adopted the strategic framework for the establishment of the National Early Warning and Response Mechanism at its 45th Ordinary Summit to serve as observation and monitoring system for conflict prevention and decision making in member states.
“This decision was supported by the findings of an assessment conducted by ECOWAS Early Warning Directorate which revealed a gap between early warning and response and lack of coordination in the aspect of early warning and response in member states including The Gambia”, he stated.
He pointed out that it also underscores the Government’s commitment to ensuring human security. ‘’Government’s ultimate goal is to establish effective and efficient early warning mechanisms aimed at addressing challenges, ranging from uncoordinated and fragmented mechanisms to non-existent legal and institutional frameworks for early warning and response”, the VP told lawmakers.
He went on to say ECOWAS is ready for the country to enact this law so that more support can be provided for the Centre. “Having this bill enacted will impact on the work of the Centre in responding to disasters,” he added.
He, therefore, assured the lawmakers that even with the limited resources, the Centre is doing well and that there is no risk of saying the bill will not be implemented.
However, the Bill was referred to the National Assembly Business Committee (ABC) for commitment to either a committee or committee of the whole assembly.